Margaret Satterthwaite, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, has described the recent uncovering of a tunnel beneath the Supreme Court premises in Podgorica as a symbolic reflection of the state of Montenegro’s judiciary.
During her visit to Montenegro on Tuesday, Satterthwaite highlighted that this incident “illustrates inadequate security measures, extremely unsuitable infrastructure, and an elevated risk of external interference in the functioning of the judiciary”.
According to her, the reactions to this event underscore the common trend of political figures publicly commenting on the conduct of judges and prosecutors and seeking credit for the prosecution’s work.
Satterthwaite emphasized the need for a depoliticized response, stating, “I believe that the handling of this case displayed a degree of politicization. Judicial authorities should be allowed to fulfill their roles and ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly and thoroughly, enabling the judiciary to arrive at its own conclusions”.
Satterthwaite pointed out that Montenegro has embarked on an extensive reform of its judicial system, with the constitution safeguarding the judiciary’s independence and establishing a system of institutions to uphold the separation of powers.
Regarding the delay in appointing key judicial figures, Satterthwaite urged Montenegro’s parliament to prioritize the nation’s interests over political considerations, ensuring that these positions are filled promptly.
On September 11, Montenegro’s Police discovered an underground tunnel connecting an apartment to a warehouse near the courthouse, where confiscated narcotics and other evidence related to criminal cases were stored. Images in the media revealed a significant breach in the courthouse’s wall, where court case evidence was maintained.
Ten days later, law enforcement authorities identified the suspected individuals responsible for creating the tunnel at the Supreme Court in Podgorica and issued international arrest warrants for them.
